A cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) scrub [ nurse is a specialized registered nurse who wears sterile gear to work directly within the sterile field alongside cardiologists. They prepare and manage sterile surgical instruments, anticipate procedural needs, and assist hands-on during diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures. Pre-Procedural Responsibilities
- Perform surgical hand scrubs and wear sterile protective gear.
- Prepare, organize, and inspect sterile tables, catheters, guidewires, and specialized cardiovascular tools.
- Verify patient identity, review procedural consent, allergies, and baseline lab work with the team.
- Assist in positioning the patient safely on the cath lab procedure table.
Intra-Procedural Responsibilities
- Maintain a strict sterile field throughout the operation.
- Hand instruments, manifolds, catheters,
and stents directly to the physician with precision.
- Anticipate the cardiologist's immediate needs during dynamic steps like balloon inflations or stent deployments.
- Conduct meticulous counts of sponges, needles, and specialized small accessories.
- Monitor procedural progression and assist in recognizing or responding to acute cardiac emergencies.
Post-Procedural Responsibilities
- Help apply initial pressure dressings, vascular closure devices, or compression bands (like TR bands).
- Account for all tools and safely dispose of contaminated or sharp items.
- Participate in room turnover by clearing used trays and prepping the lab for the next cardiac case.
- Hand over critical procedural details accurately to the recovery or step-down nursing team.